Mass Effect 2- Hey! I'm Awake!

Heya!  I'm awake!  Even I can hardly believe it!  So much change around the shop here lately that it nearly put me under.  New demanding job, graveyard shifting, managing multiple projects on the side, and then catching the first cold I've had in years- gah!  But I'm on the up-swing- feeling better, projects ticking off one by one, and looking forward to getting back into the shop tonight to continue building the World's Biggest Box for the DKnife, and getting a real bite into the Mass Effect 2 Incisor.

Had a hell of a time with the M29 template- just never have these kinds of difficulties with the freaking template!  Can't wait to get blocked out and carving- hello weekend.  Lol.

Many thanks to the folks I've had the pleasure to pass all these e-mails with.  Funny, how a single e-mail turns into a conversation.  I'm glad to have traded thoughts and ideas.  It's your day- kick ass.  

Also been thinking mucho about how much of my own artwork has been produced in the lately- um, like nill.  I've been so busy with props and other folk's wonderful stuff that I've neglected me own work- it's time to carve out some space to get to it.  I feel an unbottling, which is always cool!  It's that moment when you're laughing hysterically before you throw up and realize- that shape needs a black outline.  ;)
Be good to you.
bc

Potential to Decapitate- Naruto Comes to Life

Heya. 
Potential to decapitate- check.  Naruto comes to life as airbrushing begins.  I expect to finish this mid-week, with another side to paint, a zig-zag pattern to create on the backside, and multiple coats of clear.  This was a fun project full of engineering goodness!  It turned out strong, light, and life-threatening- just the way we want 'em!  We're almost home!

Next up I'm leaping into the M29/Incisor Sniper Rifle from Mass Effect 2, which I'm looking forward to as I'm slowly working my way through ME2.  First step will be multiple templates and depth mapping, then a whole load of sawdust.  I'm on it. 

Beyond that, project activity is at an all-time high- making this the most productive year ever.  Thanks! You've kept me busy doing what I love, and with the result benefiting what you love- well, that's just primo. 

Plenty of folks asking for props, as well as advice and opinions on personal builds.  Keep it up!  Don't be afraid to fail!  It's the path to success.  You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
Be good to you.
bc

Naruto meets Mass Effect 2

Heya.  Crazy busy round here as usual!  Lol.  Thanks again to P for partnering with me on the X-Com Stunrod.  We had an awesome time working together, and it's always nice when you click with someone  :)

The Naruto Decapitating Knife is progressing nicely, moving from paper template to rough cutting, to shaping and construction.  Bowling through this one at a mad pace and feeling good about it.  Working out the design to create a sturdy prop of this size has been the challenge, and I'm very pleased with the results.  We're keeping the edges rounded to appease con-safety rules.  A sanded edge drops it just enough to bring out the detail, and a nicely placed airbrushing will make it POP.

Next up is the Mass Effect2 M29 Sniper Rifle.  Can't wait to start on this one- or see the full cosplay for that matter, as the prop will be coupled with a full set of Garrus armor from Mywickedarmor.com.  Check it out! 

I just started playing Mass Effect2 myself, under the billing from a friend that it was 'better than Uncharted2'.  Seemed like a tall order as I've played UC2 on crushing multiple times and just can't seem to get enough of Drake and company.  I'm just scratching the surface of the game, but like the feel.  The playability and ease with which I'm getting familiar with the controls seems to promise a good deal of fun, and the story seems solid so far.  When those who've read a book, seen a movie, or played a game before you, look at you with omg-envy for approaching a work the first time around, it's a good sign.  This is Shepard, out.
Be good to you.
bc

X-Com Complete- Naruto Decapitating Knife Begins

Heya.  UFO/Enemy Unknown/X-Com Stunrod is complete.  As usual, I learned a great deal from this project.  There are always new challenges and puzzles to solve, which in turn makes every new project a little easier.  Thanks to P on this one for helping to hold the project together while the Post dropped the ball, then claimed there was no ball.  Then again, that's what an X-Com Soldier does.  Looking forward to some better studio pics of this piece, and then better yet- the soldier himself suited up and ready to zap some aliens at the next con!  Below are shots from the final prime, the silver base, and airbrush and clear up to handle wrapping.  

SO.  On to the next project- the Decapitating Knife for a Naruto cosplay.  And now- Guatemalan coffee.  Then- clean up the shop, start reviewing ideas and measurements for the DK, yada yada- I'm listing again.  Be good to you.
bc

Kingdom Heart's, X-COM, Naruto- take your pick!

Heya.

The cold weather has all but shut the shop down for the last two weeks.  It's frustrating, but warmer weather is on the way this weekend! Looking forward to wrapping up some final work on the UFO Stunrod.  By then my birch  order should be in, and I can get a load of materials needed for finishing the current and next project!

Just got this pic from a cosplayer wielding Oblivion from several projects back.    More pics promised with both Kingdom Heart's Oathkeeper and Oblivion from an upcoming con in April.  Can't wait.

Wish me luck on weather.

Be good to you.
bc

UFO Enemy Unknown Stunrod/Back to Work, Proppy!

Heya.

Overwhelmed with requests in the last few weeks.  I managed to wrest control over my inbox this morning, which means you've all gotten your responses!  Now I can relax, right?  Nooo.  But it's Superbowl Sundaaaaay!  Too bad, Proppy- back to work.  Fine.  ;)

Back to the shop after this post to continue bodywork and prime, bodywork and prime.  Getting close to real paint and clear time, P!  Then a good wrap for the handle and it's time to capture some aliens.

Thanks for all your interest and trust- I'm aimed at helping you to make the best of your cosplay experience.  Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unknown Stunrod- Steady As She Goes

Heya.
Progress on the UFO/Enemy Unknown Stunrod.  The more I carve in wood the more I love it- just a fantastic medium.  Here's where I'm at right now.  Starting to really take shape.  Still plenty to do in the way of shaping and really digging in to the design, which will really bring it out.  Hoping to see that today.  Keep an eye on the photostream.
Looking like next up will be squeezing in a Decapitating Knife for a Naruto Suigetsu Hozuki cosplay.  What a huge...  knife?  Should be fun.
What's up right now?  The need for coffee- home-roasted Kenyan AA- oh, the coffee-snob in me.  :)  Then heater on in the shop, ipod, sawdust and cosplay goodness.  Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unknown Progress

Heya.  The UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod has been delayed a few days while I scratched my head and got it pinned down.  Talked with P and decided the lesser of the pics we could find was better.  I found a bigger image but it's an artist rendition, which cool or no, often means trouble trying to reproduce it in 3D.  This is much better.  Back to the old school hand-drawn template.  It's a little time consuming, but it brings art to the project very quickly, and can sometimes aid in the near future work by highlighting areas and issues that would otherwise be encountered on the spot.  The front end of the piece needs a little tweaking, but that's an easy fix.  I feel so much better about it now!  Lol.  So many times I look at a project and wonder 'How am I going to do that?'  Sometimes you can see the way ahead, and others you just have to get there to know.  I'll tweak the template today and then there's really no excuse for anything other than sawdust!  I'm out.  :)
Be good to you.
bc

UFO/Enemy Unkown Cosplay Build

Heya.  UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod is prepping for take-off, and the shop is COLD.  I know, every time this year, right?  Getting set for a heat wave later in the coming week for cutting and carving.  It's supposed to get between 36-40 degrees!  Woo hoo!  Break out the Jimmy Buffet!  Just kidding.  No Buffet.

Progress pics on the photo-stream  soon.  Many thanks to P, who's persevered with me to make this build happen.  An unusual piece that I'm looking forward to, cold or no.


Be good to you.

bc

Buster Cleveland Review- New Year!

Heya.  Thanks to all of you making cosplay requests to help keep me on track and learning new things.  The past few months have been whirlwind busy on a personal and shop level.  Projects ranged from the usual host of Halloween madness, gift props for the holidays, Kingdom heart's Oathkeeper and Oblivion, the Chicken Ranch sign (for a Chicken Coop), straight-up carpentry around the house, new tattoos for me, and study and practice based around getting an apprenticeship and learning to tattoo.  Also cosplayer and other fantastic artist reviews from cosplayer Toko, Cosplay builder Fev, to Queen of Knotwork Pat Fish, of Luckyfish Tattoo.  

Coming up is the UFO/Enemy Unknown Stun Rod cosplay prop, on hold since November due to our local post office bumbling.  Beyond that, more requests- most recently a set of Chaos Emeralds from Sonic.  Received that one while at a party last night and it brought back how much fun is packed into the Sonic games.  So short text.  It's a new year, which means nothing beyond our perception of it- so take advantage!  New start, new day, new decisions and new determination for what you've already been toiling away at!







Be good to you.
bc